Returning to Church After a Long Hiatus: Meeting Parishioners Where They Are

Returning to Church after a long absence can be a deeply personal and transformative experience. Whether life's demands, doubts, or distractions pulled someone away, the journey back to a spiritual home can stir a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Fortunately, most parishes are filled with people excited to welcome those who have been absent back into the fold. In this blog we outline some common thoughts that individuals may have when returning to Church and discuss how parishes, through their staff, volunteers, and policies, can accompany and support them on this meaningful journey.

Common Thoughts Someone May Have When Returning to Church:

1. Uncertainty: The first step through the church doors can feel like stepping into the unknown. Thoughts like, "Will I still belong here?" or "Have things changed too much?" may arise. This uncertainty can be alleviated by warm and welcoming greetings from church staff and volunteers. Make sure there are greeters at the sanctuary entrance, ready to offer a friendly smile and a helping hand with a bulletin ready to hand someone with information about ministries, Church customs, and how to connect further with the parish.

2. Guilt and Shame: Some returning parishioners may feel a sense of guilt or shame. These emotions can be overwhelming, but they're often a common part of the reason why some stay away from Church for so long. The parish can accompany those experiencing guilt or shame by acknowledging their return and reassuring them that everyone's faith journey has ups and downs. Does your parish offer support groups or ministries that might help? If so, having that information clearly available in your bulletin can be useful to battle these feelings in those who are experiencing them.

3. A Desire for Connection: Often, individuals return to Church in search of a sense of community and connection. Parishes can accompany this desire by hosting social events, small group gatherings, and volunteer opportunities to facilitate meaningful connections. You may even consider inviting those returning after a long absence to one of your newcomer gatherings to better reacquaint them with the parish and connect them to others who are also newly walking through your doors.

4. Spiritual Hunger: Returning parishioners may feel a hunger for spiritual nourishment, seeking answers to questions like, "What does faith mean to me now?" or "How can I deepen my relationship with God?" Direct these seekers to your parish’s Bible studies, faith formation programs, and other spiritual offerings to help meet these needs.

5. Reconciling Doubts: Doubts and questions about faith can drive some away from the Church. The parish can accompany those returning to seek answers by fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue, where questions are welcomed rather than discouraged. Encourage discussions in your programming, hold parish-wide workshops and retreats when you can, and invite guest speakers who can address challenging topics.

6. Balancing Commitments: Balancing Church with other life commitments can be a challenge. Returning individuals may ponder, "How can I make time for Mass?" Parishes can help people navigate this concern by offering flexible Mass times, virtual attendance options, and by recognizing the value of quality over quantity in participation.

Extra Tips for Church Staff:
Your greatest tool for welcoming people back to the Church is COMMUNICATION.

• Communicate Through Your Parish Website: The first place many considering a return to your parish will look is your church’s website. Is it up to date, inviting, and easy to navigate? Does it display photos of your parish community having fun and serving together instead of just empty buildings and architecture? We have lots of tools and tips for creating a more welcoming and effective website in the web and social media section of our blog. If you feel lost about websites, in general, or have hopes to update yours, reach out to our web design team! We work alongside churches all over the country to design effective websites that communicate how welcoming their communities are.

• Communicate Through Your Church Bulletin: Capture the attention of anyone returning to the parish after a long absence by always having bulletins available. Better yet, have one of your greeters handing bulletins to people entering the church before Mass instead of after. This guarantees that those returning to your parish get your best, most welcoming communication directly into their hands to investigate immediately. Be sure to fill your bulletin with inviting content and images found in WeCreate, easy ways to get involved, and clear contact information for ministries and resources! If your parish is ready for a bulletin refresh or a totally new design, check out examples of what we’ve created for other parishes here and get into touch with us!

Returning to Church after a hiatus is a significant step on one's spiritual journey. By recognizing the common thoughts and emotions that returning parishioners may experience and implementing policies and practices that address their needs, parishes can truly be a place of refuge and growth for all who seek to reconnect with their faith.